Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is surgical procedure used to stabilize and repairs fractured bones through surgical intervention.
It is used for severe bone fractures as precise alignment for proper healing and function.
Open reduction involves surgically exposing fractures to realign bone fragments correctly.
Open reduction is required when closed methods fail to align complex or unstable fractures.
Internal fixation stabilizes fractures post-alignment using plates, screws, rods, or wires.
The devices stabilize bone fragments for proper healing of fractures.
Fractures treated non-surgically with splints, casts, or traction techniques.
Indications
Displaced Fractures
Unstable Fractures
Intra-Articular Fractures
Open Fractures
Malunion
Fractures in Weight-Bearing Bones
Pathological Fractures
Contraindications
Severe Medical Instability
Active or Untreated Infection
Severe Soft Tissue Damage
Non-Survivable Trauma
Poor Bone Quality
Poor Rehabilitation Potential
Advanced Age with Minimal Functional Demand
Outcomes
ORIF ensures stable alignment for high fracture union rates with healing usually occurring in 6–12 weeks depending on various factors.
Fracture stabilization reduces pain from bone movement and tissue damage.
It restores alignment and mechanics to preserve motion and weight-bearing. It stabilizes fracture reduces pain from bone movement and soft tissue damage.
Equipment required
Scalpel and forceps
Retractors
Periosteal Elevators
Bone Holding Clamps
Bone Cutting Tools
Plates and Screws
Intramedullary Devices
Wires and Pins
Patient Preparation
It includes medical history and diagnostic tests as part of patient preparation.
Informed Consent:
Explain the procedure’s purpose, risks, and potential complications clearly to the patient or guardians.
Patient Positioning
Position the patient to provide optimal access to the fracture site.
Open reduction and internal fixation
Technique
Step 1: Skin Incision:
Incise over fracture site using anatomical landmarks and consider extensile approach for exposure.
Step 2: Soft Tissue Management:
Gently dissect through soft tissues to avoid unnecessary damage.
Step 3: Fracture Exposure:
Retract surrounding tissues to expose the fracture site and remove hematoma and debris that may obstruct reduction.
Step 4: Fracture Reduction:
Align the bone fragments in an anatomical manner.
Step 5: Internal Fixation
Select the appropriate fixation device based on the fracture type and location.
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Home » Procedure » Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
Updated :
August 22, 2025
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is surgical procedure used to stabilize and repairs fractured bones through surgical intervention.
It is used for severe bone fractures as precise alignment for proper healing and function.
Open reduction involves surgically exposing fractures to realign bone fragments correctly.
Open reduction is required when closed methods fail to align complex or unstable fractures.
Internal fixation stabilizes fractures post-alignment using plates, screws, rods, or wires.
The devices stabilize bone fragments for proper healing of fractures.
Fractures treated non-surgically with splints, casts, or traction techniques.
Displaced Fractures
Unstable Fractures
Intra-Articular Fractures
Open Fractures
Malunion
Fractures in Weight-Bearing Bones
Pathological Fractures
Severe Medical Instability
Active or Untreated Infection
Severe Soft Tissue Damage
Non-Survivable Trauma
Poor Bone Quality
Poor Rehabilitation Potential
Advanced Age with Minimal Functional Demand
ORIF ensures stable alignment for high fracture union rates with healing usually occurring in 6–12 weeks depending on various factors.
Fracture stabilization reduces pain from bone movement and tissue damage.
It restores alignment and mechanics to preserve motion and weight-bearing. It stabilizes fracture reduces pain from bone movement and soft tissue damage.
Scalpel and forceps
Retractors
Periosteal Elevators
Bone Holding Clamps
Bone Cutting Tools
Plates and Screws
Intramedullary Devices
Wires and Pins
It includes medical history and diagnostic tests as part of patient preparation.
Informed Consent:
Explain the procedure’s purpose, risks, and potential complications clearly to the patient or guardians.
Position the patient to provide optimal access to the fracture site.
Open reduction and internal fixation
Step 1: Skin Incision:
Incise over fracture site using anatomical landmarks and consider extensile approach for exposure.
Step 2: Soft Tissue Management:
Gently dissect through soft tissues to avoid unnecessary damage.
Step 3: Fracture Exposure:
Retract surrounding tissues to expose the fracture site and remove hematoma and debris that may obstruct reduction.
Step 4: Fracture Reduction:
Align the bone fragments in an anatomical manner.
Step 5: Internal Fixation
Select the appropriate fixation device based on the fracture type and location.
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